The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is elated to celebrate the achievements of novice horses and non pro riders who took center stage, delivering standout performances. Today’s competition decided the champions of the second slate and high-point achievements.

Blair McFarlin enjoyed a dominant performance, claiming victory in all three Novice Horse Non Pro classes: Levels 1-3. Riding her homebred gelding, Sundrop (Hollywoodstinseltown x Sheza Chic Olena), a 4-year-old with a promising future, McFarlin scored a high 144.5 in Level 3.

“Sundrop has been such a great horse. We raised him, so we’ve had him through the whole process. It’s been just so rewarding watching him turn into an easygoing, sweet boy,” said McFarlin. “He has a puppy dog personality, and he’s been great to have around. It has been exciting to go win on him today!”

Emily Moomaw took the high-point title in both the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 and 3. She accomplished this feat on Ima Baby Spooks, an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Call Me Marlena. The horse was bred by Petska Trinity Equine LLC. The duo will take home two Montana Silversmiths buckles for their consistent placing in the classes.

Krista Marshall and Smart Electric Spook earned the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 high-point championship. The 4-year-old stallion is by NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Spook and out of Blues Electric Spark. Marshall will compete in the Non Pro Derby finals tomorrow in the Jim Norick Arena.

NRHA congratulates these champions and high-point winners in the Novice Horse Non Pro divisions. These talented riders and their developing equine partners showcased exceptional skills and horsemanship. NRHA looks forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the exciting world of reining horse competition.

In an electrifying demonstration of skill, artistry, and sheer passion, reiners gave their all tonight in the $20,000-added Invitational Freestyle presented by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce Its All About Ruf and Taylor Zimmerman were crowned champions for the second year in a row, taking home $5,422.

“I’m just blessed to get to be here and blessed to get to show a horse like this and call him mine,” said Zimmerman, who rode her 8-year-old stallion to “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the riders and their talented horses took center stage, captivating the Oklahoma City audience with unforgettable performances. Each competitor brought their unique flair and dedication, transforming the arena into a theater of heart-stopping athleticism and horsemanship.

Its All About Ruf (Not Ruf At All x Dun Pretty Nifty) was a birthday gift Zimmerman received from her grandfather last year.

“That was incredible. Lots of tears were shed during that,” Zimmerman said. “I’ve always been told I don’t get to keep them all forever, but I begged for this horse to not be sold.”

Zimmerman’s performance was a tribute to the relationship she shares with Its All About Ruf, whom she said she spends lots of time trail riding outside the show pen. She is also considering adding ranch riding to their repertoire.

“We raised him, so he’s been with us for eight years now,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve won a lot together, and we have a special bond. I truly believe you get to bond with your horse, and he proves it.”

Zimmerman’s love for “T.J.” was clear when she wrapped her arms around his neck as they left the arena with an electric 232 score. The team bested the 16-horse field by 1.5 points.

“I did ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ because he’s like my shining star,” Zimmerman said. “We spend a lot of time together, and I know him like the back of my hand.”

People’s Choice

For the first time in NRHA Derby history, every spectator in OKC had the chance to participate in the excitement by choosing their own winner. Reining fans picked NRHA Professional Sebastian Petroll and Xtra Miss Wimpy as their No. 1 team, highlighting the duo’s finesse and connection.

Petroll, who also earned the reserve championship in the Invitational Freestyle, won the People’s Choice Award while paying tribute to the late Toby Keith, and with added flair that included a motocross performance as part of his act. Petrol wanted to honor the proud Oklahoman, knowing how special the state was to Keith, as well as the reining community.

“In these [freestyle competitions] there are a few more factors to it so when it works out, it is great, said Petroll. “That horse has been with us since early in her 3-year-old year. She is maybe the one horse that when I look back on, I never did justice to her and always had bad luck. She had a great derby career with the owner, Ellen Cummins, and I still felt like I owed her. Any time I get a chance like this, I will go and do it with her. She is so great-minded, and she truly is part of the family.”

Petroll is also showing Xtra Miss Wimpy’s daughter at the event, which makes the connection even more special.

“It doesn’t happen very often, and it definitely deepens the connection we have to that family,” Petroll said.

He thanked the OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) for sponsoring the event and the owners for allowing this special evening to occur.

“It’s incredible,” said Zac Craig, president of the Oklahoma City CVB. “This event has been in Oklahoma City for decades. To have the Derby back each and every year is an essential marquee event here. I couldn’t be prouder for Billy [Smith], the staff of NRHA and the economic impact for Oklahoma City.

“I think it is only going to grow in time as we open this brand new OG&E Coliseum,” Craig continued. “I think people are going to be intrigued by this new facility, I think maybe they will get reattached and elevate their love for reining right here in Oklahoma City. I am excited about this year and can’t wait for the future, as well.”

The NRHA is proud to honor these Invitational Freestyle champions and other participants, whose performances drew residents from across the metroplex to celebrate the sport of reining. The world’s hottest reining, filled with unforgettable displays of grace and grit, continues tomorrow with the Non Pro Derby finals and more ancillary competition. For more information and to watch the show live, tune in to nrhaderby.com.

The 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel celebrates the next generation of reining superstars, not just with talented riders, but also with exceptional equine athletes. Today champions were crowned in the first slate of the Novice Horse Open. These gifted young horses, partnered with skilled trainers, have captivated audiences with their athleticism and potential.

$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 3 and 2 Champions – Sean McBurney and Americasnextdiamond

NRHA Professional Sean McBurney and the Rhodes River Ranch-bred, -nominated, and -owned Americasnextdiamond scored a 146.5 to win both the Level 3 and 2 $1,000-added Novice Horse Open classes.

“Americasnextdiamond was great to show today,” said McBurney. “She was in the broodmare field for a while but she looked real good, and we wanted to get more money on her. We started showing her, and hopefully, we get to use her for The Run For a Million qualifier this year.”

The 9-year-old mare by NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Americasnextgunmodel has $10,591 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) all with McBurney at the reins.

$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 1 Co-Champions – Lucas Gayoto Ocanha, Jordan McBurney, and Jared Leclair

There was a three-way tie for the lead of the Novice Horse Open Level 1 with a score of 143.5.

Lucas Gayoto Ocanha rode LV Doo The Hustle (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Steppin N Hustlin), a 5-year-old gelding owned by Oxbow Ranch LLC.

“‘Caesar’ been such a unicorn for me,” said Ocanha. “I started riding him because I have that bond. He’s special for me because he has a great mind. He is just the same every day, every time. He gives me everything every day and that’s why he’s special for me.”

Bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, the horse has nearly $2,200 in NRHA LTE, while his pilot—a fairly new NRHA Professional—has just under $1,500 in NRHA LTE.

Scott DeTro’s Chic On The Town and Jordan McBurney were the second set of leaders in the Level 1. The 2017 Rosanne Sternberg-bred and -nominated mare is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Sugarplum Chic.

“‘Paris’ is a great mare to have in the barn,” said Jordan. “She has been a super fun horse, and I’m really proud of her today. Scott has been showing her and let me take a trip on her here and she was really fun. She is a kind horse and great to have.”

Jared Leclair Rode rode Sparkling Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Electric Sparkle) to also tie for the title.

“I showed the mare all year and won multiple bronze trophies on her,” said Leclair. She’s a real gritty, big stopper, big turner. She’s your typical show horse mare. She’s strong and I look forward to showing her for the rest of the year.”

The 6-year-old mare is owned by Lisa Mauzerall and was bred by Wendy Hausner.

The future of reining shines bright as the Novice Horse Open champions are celebrated. These exceptional young horses have proven their talent and promise, leaving the crowd eager to see them develop into future champions. The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel continues to showcase the very best in the sport, and these Novice Horse Open champions represent the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Excitement built as the 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel reached a pivotal point. The conclusion of preliminary competition in the Non Pro Derby has set the stage for a thrilling finals showcase. With record-breaking purses on the line at every level, riders and their equine partners have delivered exceptional performances, captivating the audience and raising the bar for reining excellence.

Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes Champions – Indy Roper and Guns Required

Indy Roper and the Tim Roper-owned Guns Required remained at the top of the Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes leaderboard after scoring a 220 in the second section of the non pro preliminary. Roper purchased Guns Required at the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales as a yearling, but this was only their second time together in the showpen.

“There was something that drew me to him in the stall; he was quiet and charismatic,” said Roper. “I showed him yesterday, and he was dialed in and exceptional. I have to thank [NRHA Professional] Brian Bell because he has put in a lot of time and effort and showed the horse as a 3-year-old.”

Nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, the gelding by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Icing Required has over $21,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE), of which nearly half came with Roper at the reins.

Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions – Laura Bell and Ruf Smokin Gunner

After the third day of non pro competition, Laura Bell and her own Ruf Smokin Gunner entered the Jim Norick Arena as the Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions. The Karl Hapcic-bred gelding (Not Ruf At All x Smokin Lady Gunner) and Bell scored a 221 to claim the title.

‘“Franklin’ was maybe not the top pick for everybody for their horse,” said Bell. “I just saw something special in him and decided to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did because he’s turned out to be my little unicorn. He just shows up every day and does his job. Every horse show I go to, he exceeds the horse show before. He deserved to get the blue ribbon today. It was pretty cool.”

Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions, Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Champions, and APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions – Joetta Bell and Trashy Little Dream

To say Joetta Bell and her horse, Trashy Little Dream, had a fantastic day would be an understatement. After scoring an impressive 221, the duo were named Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions, the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Champions and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions.

“She is a really special horse that I had tried to buy for a long time from Steve Archer,” said Joetta. “She is more than just a show horse; she is part of our family. She is so easy and fun to ride that I feel like I am running faster than I actually am. A lot of times I need to step it up and have good eyes, and Kole [Price] helped me do that.”

The 6-year-old mare (Magnum Chic Dream x Shesa Little Trashy) was nominated for the Derby by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Justin Mathison.

APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions and Prime Time Non Pro Derby Preliminary Leaders – Julie Boer and Out Of The Furnace

Julie Boer and her own Out Of The Furnace (Inferno Sixty Six x Shinaka) were the other duo named APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions with a 221. Their handicapped score of a 222.5 earned landed them in the top spot of the Prime Time Non Pro Derby after the preliminary round.

“Out of the Furnace, is affectionately known as ‘Joe Jingle,’ said Boer. “Joe got his name after the late Joe Hayes. Joe bred and raised him. He’s a pretty special horse—pretty mellow, easy going but gives 110, super talented, fun to be around” and loves his peppermints after I show him.

Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown

Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown’s 222 from the second section held on to take the top spot in the Level 4 and 3 non pro preliminary round.

“He is so consistent,” said Opell, who won the 2022 Level 2 Non Pro Derby Championship with the stallion. “He is very business-like, there is never any foolishness and he is a sweetheart. We have had him since he was a late 3-year-old.”

Opell says that NRHA Professional Brandon Brant trained the stallion, and since she has owned him, she has done the training herself.

“It means everything to me,” said Opell, reflecting on competing at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. “It is wild to me that we can come out and do this together, and I am so blessed to have a horse like this.”

Level 2 and Youth Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe

18-year-old Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe’s 221.5 earned the duo top spots in both the Level 2 and Youth Non Pro Derbies after three days of preliminary competition. The Tamarack Ranch LLC-bred and -nominated horse is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of Ms Whiz Dunit has over $30,000 in NRHA LTE.

Level 1 Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Lindsey Lester and Pale Black

Lindsey Lester and Pale Black held onto their lead of the Level 1 after the non pro preliminary round concluded, which they set during the second section. Lester and the 6-year-old mare, by NRHA $3 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Blazing In Black, scored a 219 to secure the top spot.

Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Lester had less than $2,300 in NRHA LTE before entering the Jim Norick Arena this week.

Pale Black was bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal.

Masters Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Carol Bell and Vintage Couture

Carol Bell and Vintage Couture (Platinum Vintage x Couture Tag) were another duo who held onto their lead from section two. The pair scored a 220, including the handicap.

The 6-year-old stallion, bred by Bell’s husband George, has $76,000 in NRHA LTE with NRHA $2 Million Rider Brian Bell. Carol and George own the stallion together, making this win a celebration for the entire family.

As these talented Non Pro riders prepare to vie for championship glory, one thing is certain: the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel promises a finals showdown unlike any other. With record-breaking payouts motivating every maneuver and a world-class field vying for the coveted titles, fans are in for a truly unforgettable reining experience. If you cannot be at OKC Fairgrounds, visit the free live feed at nrhaderby.com or watch on the Cowboy Channel.